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- 1. INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION CHAPTER ONECHAPTERONE Granch Berhe
- 2. IMPORTANCE OF ECOLOGICAL BALANCEAND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
- 3. Ecology - studyof ecosystems. May be disturbed due to the introduction of new species, the sudden death of some species, natural hazards or man-made causes. The science of ecology defines “ecosystems” as interdependent populations of organisms interacting with their physical and chemical environment The science of ecology defines “ecosystems” as interdependent populations of organisms interacting with their physical and chemical environment Ecological balance – Dynamic equilibrium within a community of organisms in which genetic, species and ecosystem diversity remain relatively stable, subject to gradual changes through natural succession. A stable balance in the numbers of each species in an ecosystem." Ecological balance – Dynamic equilibrium within a community of organisms in which genetic, species and ecosystem diversity remain relatively stable, subject to gradual changes through natural succession. A stable balance in the numbers of each species in an ecosystem."
- 4. Life in citesduring the middle ages, and through the industrial revolution, was difficult, sad, and usually short. Waterborne diseases have become one of the major concerns of the public health. Today the concerns of public health encompass not only water but all aspects of civilized life, including food, air, toxic materials, noise, and other environmental insults. Some ecosystems are fragile, easily damaged, and slow to recover; Some are resistant to change and are able to withstand even serious perturbations; Others are remarkably resilient and able to recover from perturbation if given the chance. Some ecosystems are fragile, easily damaged, and slow to recover; Some are resistant to change and are able to withstand even serious perturbations; Others are remarkably resilient and able to recover from perturbation if given the chance.
- 5. Our biosphere isunder constant threat from continuing pollution. Impact on its atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere by anthropogenic activities can not be ignored. Recently, different approaches have been discussed to tackle man made environmental hazards. •Clean technology, •Eco-mark and •Green chemistry Some of the recent environmental issues include Green house effect, Loss in bio-diversity, Rising of sea level, Abnormal climatic change and Ozone layer depletion etc. Man made activities on water, air and land have negative influence over biotic and abiotic components on different natural ecosystems. Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection are key feature to be free of the above risks and threats
- 6.
- 7. Greenhouse Effect &Global Warming • The “greenhouse effect” & global warming are not the same thing. – Global warming refers to a rise in the temperature of the surface of the earth • An increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases leads to an increase in the magnitude of the greenhouse effect. (Called enhanced greenhouse effect) – This results in global warming
- 8. Greenhouse effect ofthe atmosphere • Light from the sun includes the entire visible region and smaller portions of the adjacent UV and infrared regions. • Sunlight penetrates the atmosphere and warms the earth’s surface. • Longer wavelength infrared radiation is radiated from the earth’s surface. • A considerable amount of the outgoing IR radiation is absorbed by gases in the atmosphere and reradiated back to earth. The gases in the atmosphere that act like glass in a greenhouse are called greenhouse gases. The natural greenhouse effect causes the mean temperature of the Earth's surface to be about 33o C warmer than it would be if natural greenhouse gases were not present.
- 9. What makes agas greenhouse gas? • Able to absorb infrared light • Must have molecular vibration(s) – This excludes monoatomic gases as greenhouse gases. (That is why argon, the third most abundant atmospheric constituents is transparent to infrared irradiation) • The molecular vibrations must be non-symmetric, i.e. infrared active – Homonuclear diatomic molecules only have symmetric vibrations. That’s why N2, O2 are not greenhouse gases.
- 10. What are themajor greenhouse gases? • H2O • CO2 • CH4 • N2O • O3 • CFCs • SF6
- 11. What determines thecontribution of a greenhouse gas to global warming? • Concentrations – H2O and CO2 are the two biggest contributors to the atmospheric warming because of their higher concentrations. • Lifetime – The longer-live a gas is, the higher the contribution. e.g. N2O contribution > CH4 • Effectiveness as an infrared absorber – For example, CFC-11 and CFC-12
- 12. Enhanced greenhouse effect Whenconcentrations of greenhouse gases increase, more infrared radiation is returned toward the earth and the surface temperature rises.
- 13. Carbon Footprint isa way to quantify the amount of CO2 being produced. Amount of GHGs (converted to CO2 ) which are emitted by a process May include production (including raw materials), use and disposal of a product or provision of a service Not only products are assigned a carbon footprint but also services or miles travelled have a carbon footprint. What can we do with this “abstract“ number? Compare or reduce.
- 14.
- 15. Consequences of globalwarming….. • Sea level rise – Beach erosion – Coastal wetland loss – Loss of low-lying territories • Water resources change – Precipitation pattern shift – Increases instances of heavy precipitation – New burdens on water capture, storage and distribution system to be expected. • Effects on agriculture – Changes in the length of growing season – Growth of undesirable plant species
- 16. …..Consequences of globalwarming • Effects on air quality – Increase in reaction rates and concentrations of certain atmospheric species increase in O3 in urban areas – More droughts widespread forest fire worsen air quality – Change in how pollutants are dispersed. • Impacts on human health – Changes in patterns of sickness and death. – Respiratory problems affected by air quality change • Biodiversity – Some species may grow too quick and overshoot their reproductive period (e.g. reef corals) – Forest could be devastated if the rate of climate change outpaced the rate at which forest species could migrate. • Change in the pattern of ocean current
- 17. Climate Change vs.Variability Even in a stable climate regime, there will always be some variation (wet/dry years, warm/cold years) A year with completely “average” or “normal” climate conditions is rare Climate variability is natural The challenge for scientists is to determine whether any increase/decrease in precipitation, temperature, frequency of storms, sea level, etc. is due to climate variability or climate change. The challenge for scientists is to determine whether any increase/decrease in precipitation, temperature, frequency of storms, sea level, etc. is due to climate variability or climate change.
- 18. The state ofclimate change science The Earth’s natural greenhouse effect is required to support life on earth. Aerosol particles are important in formation of clouds. Human activities are contributing to increases in greenhouse gases and aerosol loading. The Earth’s surface has warmed during the last century and is projected to continue warming. Maintaining Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection are thus important to have comfortable natural environment and climate.
- 19.
- 20. Definition of Pollution Pollutionis the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change, in the form of killing of life, toxicity of environment, damage to ecosystem and aesthetics of our surrounding . Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change, in the form of killing of life, toxicity of environment, damage to ecosystem and aesthetics of our surrounding . An unwanted change in the environment which involves the physical, biological and chemical changes involving air, water and land which affects the human life in one way or the other”. An unwanted change in the environment which involves the physical, biological and chemical changes involving air, water and land which affects the human life in one way or the other”. Pollution has become a serious issue after World War II in developing countries due to unchecked rapid industrialization. Pollution has become a serious issue after World War II in developing countries due to unchecked rapid industrialization. Pollution is the root cause of many diseases that kill and disable living organisms. Pollution is the root cause of many diseases that kill and disable living organisms.
- 21. 21 By-product of processor service that may or may not be harmful or toxic Waste?Waste? Pollutant?Pollutant? Wastes or products that harm either human, animal health or the environment ....Mostly they are used interchangeably.
- 22.
- 23. A Broader Viewof Pollution
- 24. TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION,THEIR EFFECT AND CONTROLS
- 25. Types of Pollution Thereare different types of Pollution • Air Pollution • Water Pollution • Soil Pollution • Noise Pollution • Light Pollution • Radio Active Pollution • Thermal Pollution
- 26.
- 27. Air Pollution Air pollutionis the introduction into the atmosphere of chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials that spreads very fast and spreads in the air and causes SKIN & LUNGS diseases. Some of the most important air pollutants are sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and airborne particles, with radioactive pollutants probably among the most destructive ones (specifically when produced by nuclear explosions). Due to increase in the volume of these gases in atmosphere the ozone layer is depleting because of which the ultraviolet rays of sun are reaching us and causing damage to our skin, eyes and other organs. Some of the most important air pollutants are sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and airborne particles, with radioactive pollutants probably among the most destructive ones (specifically when produced by nuclear explosions). Due to increase in the volume of these gases in atmosphere the ozone layer is depleting because of which the ultraviolet rays of sun are reaching us and causing damage to our skin, eyes and other organs.
- 28. Causes effeCts • Discomfort, disease,or death to humans, animals, • Damage other living organisms such as food crops, • Damage the natural environment and Ecosystems Causes & Effects • Automobiles and Domestic fuels • Smoke from Industry chimneys • Automobile exhaust • Burning of fossil fuels • Forest fires • Household combustion devices
- 29. Specific Effects ofAir Pollution a) Acid rain is precipitation containing harmful amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids. These acids are formed primarily by nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides released into the atmosphere when fossil fuels are burned. b) Haze is caused when sunlight encounters tiny pollution particles in the air. Haze obscures the clarity, color, texture, and form of what we see. c) Effects on wildlife. Toxic pollutants in the air, or deposited on soils or surface waters, can impact wildlife in a number of ways. Like humans, animals can experience health problems if they are exposed to sufficient concentrations of air toxics over time. Respiratory problems, reduced lung functioning are certain problems which can occur in the people. d) Ozone depletion- This is a layer present in the atmosphere which protects us from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun which can cause skin cancer. But due to the air pollutants this layer is getting depleted. e) These gases also cause the Green house effect and Global warming. f) The air pollutants also cause diseases in humans like lung cancer, asthma, Irritation of eyes, nose, mouth and throat, Disruption of endocrine, reproductive and immune systems and other respiratory ailments.
- 31. Controlling Air Pollution Maintaininghealthy distance between industrial and residential areas Constructing chimneys tall in size Removing and recycling wastes in the industrial plants and refineries Planting plants that metabolize nitrogen oxides and other pollutants Designing automobiles with emission control system Timely servicing of the car and minimizing fuel exhaustion Using public transportation Using alternative energy sources (solar, hydroelectric, and wind)
- 32.
- 33. Water PollutionWater Pollution Itis the introduction of chemical, biological & physical matter into large bodies of water e.g. lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers and groundwater that degrade the quality of life that lives in it & consumes it. Water pollution occurs when pollutants are discharged directly or indirectly into water bodies without adequate treatment to remove harmful compounds. Water pollution affects plants and organisms living in these bodies of water. In almost all cases the effect is damaging not only to individual species and populations, but also to the natural biological communities
- 34. Water Pollutants… • Detergents •Chloroform • Food processing waste, (fats and grease) • Insecticides and herbicides. • Petroleum hydrocarbons, (gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuels, and fuel oil). • Lubricants (motor oil).
- 35. CausesCauses Causes & Effects •Oil spills, garbage, sewage water • Effluent outfalls from factories, refineries, waste treatment plants etc.. that emit fluids of varying quality directly into water bodies. • In villages people have baths in the river, they wash their clothes and utensils there. • In cities, people throw food wrappers and other wastes in the water bodies effeCtseffeCts • Disturbs ecosystems • Loss of aquatic life • Spread of Diseases
- 36. a) Water bodieslike lakes and rivers are polluted which results in the death of marine animals like fishes, turtles, whales, dolphins etc. b) Oil spills not only harm marine animals but they also affect precipitation rate. c) If the polluted water is consumed by humans then water-borne diseases like typhoid, cholera, dysentery. d) When the pesticides after surface runoff reach the lakes, they lead to the growth of algae which after sometime covers the whole lake and due to lack of oxygen the animals die. Specific Effects of Water Pollution
- 38. Controlling Water Pollution Conservewater by turning off the tap. Mind what you throw down your sink or toilet. Don’t throw paints and oils in water channels. Use environment friendly household products, such as washing powder, household cleaning agents etc. Take great care not to overuse pesticides and fertilizers. Don’t throw litter into rivers, lakes or oceans. Help clean up any litter you see on beaches or in rivers and lakes, make sure it is safe to collect the litter and put it in a nearby dustbin. Minimising use of water by reusing and recycling Harvesting of rain water to meet water requirements Treating effluents before releasing
- 39. Treating Polluted Water Suspended,solid particles and inorganic material can be removed by the use of filters. Use of biological filters and processes can naturally degrade the organic waste material. After above two steps chemical additives are supplied to get rid of any left-over impurities.
- 40.
- 41. Soil pollution iscaused by the presence of xenobiotic (human-made) chemicals or other alteration in the natural soil environment. Soil Pollution It is typically caused by a)Industrial activity b)Agricultural chemicals c)Improper disposal of waste.
- 42. Soil Contaminating Chemicals….. •Petroleum hydrocarbons. • Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. • Pesticides • Lead and Other heavy metals
- 43. Causes • Reduce Fertilityof Soil • Pollute ground water • Foul odor • Death on living things Causes & Effects • Corrosion of underground storage tanks • Application of pesticides and fertilizers • Mining, Oil and fuel dumping • Disposal of coal ash • Leaching from landfills • Discharge of industrial wastes to the soil • Drainage of contaminated surface water into the soil effeCtseffeCts
- 44. Specific Effects ofSoil Pollution a) The waste from landfill leaches and causes contaminates the groundwater. b) Certain animals eat waste like plastic bags and die. c) It emits foul odor and becomes breeding ground for mosquitoes. d) The waste on a landfill reduces the fertility of the soil. e) Pesticides, benzene, chromium and weed killers sprayed on the field are carcinogens which have been established to lead to all kinds of cancer. f) Long-term benzene exposure is responsible for irregular menstrual cycles in women, leukemia and anemia.
- 46. • Limiting useof fertilizers and pesticides • Creating awareness about biological control methods and their implementation • Using Proper preventive methods like shields in areas of wind erosion and wind breaks • Treating industrial and nuclear waste. • Proper disposing of plastics and other garbage materials. • Minimising, reusing and recycling wastes Controlling of Soil Pollution
- 47.
- 48. Noise Pollution • Noisepollution is displeasing or excessive noise that may disrupt the activity or balance of human or animal life. • Noise means disgust or discomfort hearing from environment. Sources of Noise Pollution… • Machines. • Transportation systems. • Motor vehicles. • Aircrafts. • Trains. • Poor urban planning.
- 49. Specific Effects ofNoise Pollution • Noise pollution affects both health and behavior. • Noise pollution can cause – Annoyance – Aggression . – Hypertension . – High stress levels . – Hearing loss. – High BP – Sleep disturbances, and other harmful effects.
- 50. Controlling of NoisePollution • The Government should ensure the new machines that should be noise proof. • Industries should be setup outside residential area and not near schools. • Using Sound Absorber
- 51.
- 52. Light Pollution Light pollution,also known as photo pollution or luminous pollution, is excessive, misdirected, or obtrusive artificial light. Pollution is the adding-of/added light itself, in analogy to added sound, carbon dioxide, etc. Light pollution Causes • Degradation of photic habitat by artificial light. • Alteration of natural light levels in the outdoor environment. • Due to indoor light pollution human health is compromised.
- 53. Controlling Light Pollution.. •Excessive lighting should be avoided. • For Lighting an applicable design should be followed. • Light engineering should be applied for streets.
- 54.
- 55. Radio Active Pollution Pollution caused by the resultant substances from nuclear reactors and other radioactive substances.
- 56. Causes & Effects Causes •Nuclear Power Plants, Weapons • Disposal of nuclear waste • Uranium Mining effeCts • Cancer • Swelling of Bone Joints • Eye Problems
- 57. Controlling of RadioActive Pollution • Avoid Constructing Nuclear Power Plants • Avoid Using Nuclear Weapon • Have Proper Treatment for Nuclear Waste • Avoid mining for Uranium to a minimal
- 58.
- 59. Thermal Pollutionexistence of extra high or extra low (extra hot or cold) condition. Thermal Pollution Causes • Nuclear Power Plants • Volcanic eruption • Industries and factories • Forest Fires effeCts • Discomfort • Death on animals and plants Causes & Effects Controlling of Thermal Pollution • Avoid Constructing Nuclear Power Plants • Controlling and informing time of volcanic eruption
- 60. Total Textile Processat a Glance
- 61. METHODS OF MINIMIZING ANDELIMINATING WASTES
- 62. Why minimise waste?Whyminimise waste? On-site recycling Off-site recycling disposal disposal source source waste No waste minimisation With waste minimisation, recycling and treatment to treatment waste
- 63. Preferred hierarchy ofwastePreferred hierarchy of waste management optionsmanagement options Source reduction On-site/off-site recycling Treatment Final disposal Waste diversion
- 64. Source reduction opportunitiesSourcereduction opportunities Source reduction Housekeeping improvement Product reformulation Input material alteration Technology alteration
- 65. Factors influencing wasteFactorsinfluencing waste minimisationminimisation •Government policy and regulations •Technological feasibility •Economic viability •Management commitment and support
- 66. Waste minimisation -incentivesWaste minimisation - incentives •Reduced costs: •raw materials, energy, water •storage and handling •waste disposal •health and safety •Regulatory compliance •Improved efficiency •Improved corporate image
- 67. Waste minimisation -barriersWaste minimisation - barriers •Economic barriers •Technical barriers •Regulatory barriers
- 68. Waste minimisation opportunitiesWasteminimisation opportunities applicable to all operationsapplicable to all operations •Use higher purity materials •Use less toxic raw materials •Use non-corrosive materials •Convert from batch to continuous process •Improve equipment inspection & maintenance •Improve operator training •Improve supervision •Improve housekeeping
Editor's Notes
- #7 Global warming lecture
- #10 In the infrared region of the spectrum, the available transitions involve movement of the nuclei in molecular vibration. Because radiation is electromagnetic, its absorption requires that the transition change the electric field within the molecule, that is, the transition must alter the molecule’s dipole moment. The transition between different modes of molecular vibration must alter the molecule’s dipole moment.
- #15 Amount of GHGs which are emitted by production (including extraction of raw materials), use and disposal of a product / service in CO2 equivalents is called carbon footprint. Not only products are assigned a carbon footprint but also services or even kilometers have a carbon footprint. Or even breakfast.
- #29 High Proportion of undesirable gases, such as sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide
- #63 Slide 2 Why minimise waste? Hazardous waste sources include a wide range of industrial and commercial operations of varying scale, plus other sources such as hospitals, as well as certain domestic activities. Disposal may be at landfill sites, incinerators or the natural receiving bodies such as rivers, land and the atmosphere. If no measures are taken to prevent, recycle or treat the hazardous waste generated, all of it will have to be sent for disposal, placing additional burdens on disposal capacity. In broad environmental and resource terms, ‘waste’ is not simply the solid waste which remains at the end of a process or which results from use, but it also comprises releases to air and liquid waste discharges. As the very simplistic slide shows, if any or all of a number of measures are taken, the amount of waste going to final disposal can be greatly reduced. These measures include source reduction, on-site or off-site recycling, and appropriate treatment, which can reduce both volume and toxicity of residual waste. From an industry viewpoint, less wastage of raw materials and lower energy and water use results in less waste, lower costs and higher profits.
- #64 Slide 3 Preferred hierarchy of waste management options As has been stated elsewhere in this manual, the concept of a waste hierarchy is widely accepted and there are a number of graphical ways of describing it (including the one which appears in other chapters). There are several options for reducing the amount of waste which needs final disposal – these are sometimes collectively called ‘waste diversion’. Source reduction - reducing or eliminating the generation of waste at source - is the preferred environmental option, and should always take precedence over re-use or recycling. Recycling refers to the re-use or remanufacture of waste materials once generated. Recycling may be done on-site or off-site. Source reduction and recycling can never eliminate waste entirely. There will inevitably be some waste remaining. Appropriate treatment should be carried out prior to its final disposal. Finally, provision of adequate, carefully located, well managed waste disposal facilities is essential if hazardous wastes are to be properly controlled.
- #65 Slide 4 Source reduction opportunities Source reduction measures fall into the 4 broad categories shown on the slide. Good housekeeping practices are procedural or administrative measures which a waste generator can use to reduce waste generation. These typically involve simple and low cost measures which can be introduced in a short time without need for extensive process redesign or downtime. These include: a) Changes in management and personnel practices - eg employee training to raise awareness of waste reduction, and incentives to achieve it b) Amendments to materials handling and inventory practices - eg better handling and storage to reduce loss through damage c) Improvements to operation and maintenance - eg elimination of leaks and spills to reduce losses; optimised equipment performance to reduce downtime d) Segregation of different wastes to optimise opportunities for re-use and recycling Product reformulation involves changing the way in which the product is designed and manufactured, to produce something that creates less waste, or is less toxic, more suitable for recycling or more amenable to treatment. Alternatively, product reformulation may involve the replacement of the entire product with one which creates less waste, or is less toxic, more suitable for recycling or more amenable to treatment. Changes to the raw materials used can reduce the toxicity of the residual waste, or could make the product more amenable to recycling, or easier to treat prior to disposal. Changes in the technology might involve the replacement of out-moded equipment with an alternative that functions more efficiently, requires smaller amounts of material input, or produces less waste. This last is likely to be the most expensive alternative, and it is sometimes evident that the aspirations of technical personnel are out of step with the current capacity to finance and sustain improvements. The simplest waste minimisation measures, such as improved housekeeping, should be addressed immediately – on the principle that the low hanging fruits are easiest to reach! – to demonstrate the value of the process to management.
- #66 Slide 6 Factors influencing waste minimisation Despite the clear benefits of waste minimisation measures in reducing costs and increasing profits, there are some (real or perceived) barriers to overcome. The role of governments is crucial in providing the necessary framework for the development of waste minimisation techniques, as well as in encouraging their adoption. Appropriate legislation, effective enforcement, economic incentives, demonstration projects, and information and promotional programmes offer a variety of policy instruments which governments can use and adapt in stimulating waste minimisation. For waste generators, the availability and suitability of appropriate waste minimisation techniques and technologies will influence their adoption. Economic barriers may affect the introduction of some waste minimisation measures, where the measures may require (or may be perceived to require) capital investment. On the other hand, for externally funded major industrial projects, environmental impact assessment (EIA) plays a positive role in promoting waste minimisation. Without the support and commitment of the company’s management, waste minimisation measures are unlikely to be implemented or to succeed. Ensuring management support for measures to be introduced is therefore vital.
- #67 Slide 7 Waste minimisation – Incentives Worldwide there is a trend for increasingly stringent regulatory requirements for environmental protection. This trend is likely to continue in the future. Faced with tightened regulatory controls, waste generators will have to pay more attention to pollution problems and to become more vigilant. Those waste generators who undertake steps to adopt waste minimisation practices will find themselves in a better position to comply with the array of environmental legislation they will face. Waste minimisation delivers clear economic benefits, including those shown on the slide. In addition, there may beincreased revenue from the re-use, recycling or sale of waste materials, and improved production efficiency, Waste minimisation also delivers clear environmental benefits and reduced risks to public health because of the reduction in hazardous wastes discharged to air, water and land. In addition to economic benefits, companies are likely to find that there are public relations benefits to waste minimisation practices, with improved public trust and better corporate image. In many industrialised countries, waste generators are held liable for the impacts from waste management, transport and disposal. Company liabilities do not end when the waste is shipped off-site to a licensed facility, for treatment or disposal. If a hazardous release occurs, the company using the facility could be held responsible along with the facility operator, and could be required to pay for corrective measures. Reduced waste generation has the benefit of also reducing a company’s exposure to potential liability. Another important factor is the trend in some industrialised countries for liability insurance cover to be unavailable. The result of an increase in uninsured liability has been greater pressure on industry to reduce hazardous waste generation. Discussion: Trainers are encouraged to discuss the differing influences of regulatory, economic and environmental drivers for waste minimisation.
- #68 Slide 8 Waste Minimisation – barriers While waste minimisation measures may lead to cost savings, those measures which require up-front capital investment may present a significant obstacle to implementation. Projects for waste minimisation will have to overcome internal company obstacles, and possibly compete for funding with other projects. On the other hand, in companies where there has already been recent investment in facilities or technologies, there will be a reduced incentive to make further investment before the current plant reaches the stage of needing to be upgraded. There are practical limits to waste minimisation, especially in regard to source reduction. It may be difficult to manufacture certain goods without generating hazardous waste, such as the sludges which result from chemical reactions. There may be concern that modifications to the process or the material inputs may result in a lower quality product which will be harder to market. While not strictly a technical barrier, this fear – which may be groundless - could still impede innovation. A genuine technical barrier may be a lack of suitable engineering and technical information on source reduction techniques. Regulations may inadvertently discourage waste minimisation. For example, trade effluent discharges are commonly regulated by contaminants on the basis of concentration. This may encourage dilution in order to achieve compliance, but resulting in much larger volumes of dilute wastes, even though pollution abatement technology typically operates more efficiently on smaller quantities of more concentrated material. Going beyond waste minimisation, some regulations may limit or prevent the re-use or recycling of wastes through waste exchanges because of the waste definitions they impose, restricting the opportunities for hazardous waste recycling.
- #69 Slide 9 Waste minimisation opportunities applicable to all operations 1 Some measures can be undertaken by all sectors: Using higher purity materials will reduce the build up of impurities which can extend equipment life as well as reducing the generation of hazardous waste. Changing input materials can enable the generation of hazardous waste to be completely avoided. For example, cyanide plating processes could be replaced by non-cyanide plating. Corrosive materials should also be avoided. In general, batch operations generate more clean-up waste than continuous processes. This is mainly due to the higher clean-up frequency associated with batch production using the same process. Accidental release of hazardous chemicals may result from equipment leaks through failed seals. Thorough equipment inspection and regular maintenance can reduce this, as can careful selection of equipment at purchasing stage. Operator training programmes can reduce the generation of waste attributable to operator or procedural errors. Closer supervision may enable the early detection of mistakes, and thus improve productivity and reduce inadvertent waste generation. Good housekeeping can often be implemented with little cost and therefore shows a high return on investment. Eliminating or reducing the use of water for cleaning up spills will reduce waste-water volumes. Rags or absorbent material can be used instead.